fiat dealers – AutoGuide.com Newshttp://www.autoguide.com
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:36:45 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1AutoGuide.com Newsfiat dealers – AutoGuide.com Newshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/themes/autoguide-proper/img/logo_autoguide_red.gifhttp://www.autoguide.com
Fiat Dealers Hoping for Sales Boost with New Vehicleshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/05/fiat-dealers-hoping-for-sales-boost-with-new-vehicles.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/05/fiat-dealers-hoping-for-sales-boost-with-new-vehicles.html#commentsMon, 13 May 2013 15:17:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=196417Fiat Dealers Hoping for Sales Boost with New VehiclesFiat dealers in America are unsurprisingly finding it difficult to turn a profit by selling just a subcompact, and are hoping that the new products hitting the US will help boost sales. While sales of the 500 are improving, dealers are pinning their hopes on the four-door 500L, which will help bring in more customers... more]]>

Fiat dealers in America are unsurprisingly finding it difficult to turn a profit by selling just a subcompact, and are hoping that the new products hitting the US will help boost sales.

While sales of the 500 are improving, dealers are pinning their hopes on the four-door 500L, which will help bring in more customers later this year by offering a product in a different market segment.

Currently, Fiat only sells variants of the subcompact, two-door 500. There’s the base 500 convertible, in addition to a turbo model, and a hopped up Abarth. A new electric power 500e is also available in select markets.

“I’m struggling to break even,” says Gary Brown, Chrysler Dealer Council chairman. “With the one car in a small (volume) segment, it’s a tough go right now.”

The upcoming 500L looks just like a 500, but is bigger and equipped with four-doors. Using a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the 500L will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual dry clutch transmission.

“The real key is rolling out new product, additional offerings,” said Brown. “The four-door (500L) is really going to be a shot in the arm. It will put a franchise on more people’s radar as they are shopping for a small car.”

In addition to the 500L, Fiat dealers are also looking forward to the launch of the Alfa Romeo brand, which is spear-headed by the upcoming mid-engine 4C sportscar. The light weight coupe is expected to take on the likes of Porsche thanks to its 1.8L turbocharged engine, and handling prowess.